[40frank]

I’m not a fan of it at all. I’m not sure what the appeal of G19 slide on a G17 is. For the longest time that was an actual criticism of other manufacturers “compact” pistols: 4inch barrel with a full size frame. The first one that comes to mind is the XD. To each their own, I’ll pass.

 

[40frank]

Everyone seems to think Glock released the 19X as an answer to a question about concealed pistols. It is simply a civilian version of the MHS submission, just like the civilian version of the M17 gun they are releasing. People need to stop trying to fit it into a category it was never intended to fill. No one is beating up the FN 509, it was derived from their MHS submission and uses the same concept.

Now for the practical uses of the 19X style design. The longer grip gives a better hold for folks who think the 19 is a tad to short. Yes you can do it with X grip extensions and such, but they also create some serious pinch points if your not careful. It is far easier to run the 17 grip at speed without having to worry as much about having issues with mag changes. Longer grip typically work better for this. When is the last time you saw a pistol designed for gun-fighting with a compact or abbreviated grip? You also have more rounds on board with factory mags and not having to worry about adapters moving around, or taking up room in a pocket on backup magazines.

The 19 slide, it perfect for use as a holstered duty weapon as sometimes longer guns and yes even the 17s holsters dig into car seats causing the holster to ride into your side. We as officers don't have the luxury of picking a holster that tucks in close and rides high, so the 19X is a very viable option for LE use.

I personally see no advantage of the 17 slide over the 19 slide. Ok so you may get a few more FPS out of your load, but the longer sight radius is not a factor for me and many others. I can easily make a 50 yard shot with a 19, and do the same with the 17. I prefer the recoil characteristics of the 19 over the 17 anyway. So why do I need a longer slide? Shorter slide pistols typically feel more balanced to me as well. Physics, less hanging forward to the center line of my grip equals better balance.

The Sig P320 Carry uses the same principal and was actually conceived a the request of law enforcement agencies that wanted a full size grip with a shorter slide.

The 19X makes a perfect range training gun, especially with the 19 rounders. Who cares about concealment on a range gun.

The color is the biggest drawback currently at least from a LE standpoint. While is it cool and all, it looks like crap against a dark blue navy uniform. A version like the 19X but in black is in the works, no idea when it will show up.

The 19X has its place, and purpose just like every other glock. Why folks are getting so worked up about it not fitting into a CCW role as well as they would like is beyond me. Buy the 43 if you want a small compact 9mm for CCW. If you want something bigger get a 19 or a 17.

I know Haters are just gonna hate.


TXPO

If you don't see the purpose for the 19X, it's because you don't use Glocks for the purpose the 19X is perfect for - carrying in the open and shooting and reloading fast. It's perfect for competition shooters, soldiers and police. Sucks for CCW, so buy a Glock designed for that purpose - they have plenty. You may as well be saying "this Glock 17L is stupid, how does that long slide help it conceal better???":upeyes:

If all you do with your gun is carry it around and occasionally shoot a bullseye target real slow at the local indoor range, there's no reason to get a 19X.

If your use for the gun is shooting fast, as in GSSF/USPSA/IDPA competition, or self-defense where concealment is not a factor, the shorter slider and sight radius is faster to aim and the longer grip is faster to reload, if your hand is too big for the regular 19. I wish they'd make a 23X and I'd buy one to replace my home defense 23.

As I have mentioned several times, the Glock 19X is EXACTLY the gun I have been telling people I wished Glock would make for at least 10 years now. I should sue them for stealing my idea.

As for "innovation" - why would I complain about "lack of innovation"? I buy the guns, not stock in the company. I care about whether the gun has features that are useful to me, not whether the company has a scam to convince people who already own their guns to replace them with slightly different versions every year, like a car maker.

Both of you bring up great points and your points prompted me to revisit and clarify some of my thoughts. I can’t pick my duty gun so I was guilty of dismissing it on basis of how other compact slide pistols with a full size grip felt to me. Both of you make valid points.